First Visit

Our office, as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that children see a pediatric dentist by their first birthday or when they get their first tooth! The establishment of a dental home for children ensures that parents have the information needed to care for their child's teeth and that children receive appropriate preventative and routine oral health care.

The Dental Home is intended to provide a place
other than the Emergency Room for parents.

As you prepare for your child's dental visit, use only positive words and encouragement. Please do not use words like "shot" or "drill" or "cry" or "scary". This will cause unnecessary anxiety and make the visit difficult for your child. If you, the parent, are calm and positive, it is very likely that your child will be also. On your child's first visit to our office, you and your child will be invited back to our new patient exam room. Your dental assistant and Dr Cook will see you there for the dental examination. You and your child will be taken on a tour of the office so you can see the x-ray room, the dental hygiene station, the open bay treatment area where other patients are being seen, and the check-out station. On following visits, for children over 3, your child will come back to the open bay treatment area with the dental assistant.Studies and experience have shown that most children over the age of 3 react more positively when permitted to experience the dental visit on their own and in an environment designed for children. We are committed to a team effort in providing the best and safest dental care for your child and establishing your child's trust and independence.

Personalized Coloring Book

Your child will love having their own personalized coloring book from the dentist to help them look forward to their first visit. They can use it for years to come or you can preserve it in their scrapbook or baby book. It is fun and easy to use, try it yourself by clicking on one of the coloring books below.